Government to ensure adherence to the laws of the state

Kyebi, (E/R), Nov. 21, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills said on Saturday that the Government would not allow people to take the law into their own hands at the detriment of the state.

He said everything must be regulated by the laws and rules of Ghana to ensure that people did what was right especially when it concerned the society.

Speaking at Kyebi to mark the 10th Anniversary Durbar of the enstoolment of the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori-Panin, President Mills expressed worry over the galamsey activities in the Akyem area and gave the assurance that the concerns of the people would be addressed. President Mills noted that the wanton destruction of water bodies in the area through illegal mining activities was a clear manifestation of people's attitude towards state resources and properties. He called for a change of attitude towards national development since everybody's effort counted.

The President commended those who were presented with awards by the Akyem Abuakwa State for exemplary work through their various professions towards national development. "All of you deserved to be recognized for that meritorious service to serve as a reference point for others," he said.

Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori-Panin complained about the pollution of water bodies in the area through illegal mining and that people were dying each day as a result of falling into uncovered pits left by illegal miners. He said the attention of the Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo and other stakeholders in the mining industry had been drawn to the issue and appealed to the President to intervene to save the lives of the people. The Okyenhene informed the President of the establishment of the University College of Agriculture and Environmental Studies at the Bunso Cocoa College to help provide farmers with the required scientific knowledge to promote agricultural development.

He called for the inclusion of traditional authorities in the local administration of the country.

Among the many dignitaries that graced the occasion were Ms Sherry Ayittey and Dr Omane Boamah Minister and Deputy Minister respectively for Science and Environment, Naa Professor J.S Nabila, President of the National House of Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Paul Tawiah Quaye and Nana Akuffo-Addo, presidential candidate of the NPP in the 2008 election. 22 Nov. 09